A new location for local Vietnamese restaurant Paper Rice is on the way to Sawtelle. It will open in a 1,900-square-foot space at 2202 Sawtelle Blvd (ToddRickAllen spotted signage up in the space). The team told What Now Los Angeles that the location is in the early stages of development and is slated to open in late 2026.
The brand has existing locations in Pasadena and Whittier. Paper Rice serves menu items such as spring rolls, spring bowls, and bánh mì, with both build-your-own and made-to-order options.
The aesthetic of the Sawtelle space will model the existing locations, featuring a modern, clean design with Vietnamese-inspired elements.
“We’re a Vietnamese fast-casual restaurant focused on food that feels light, fresh and satisfying, and we wanted that same feeling reflected in our space and overall design,” a spokesperson told What Now Los Angeles in an email. “When you walk into Paper Rice, it should feel bright, airy, fresh and welcoming.”
The team chose to expand to Sawtelle due to increasing demand beyond the San Gabriel Valley. This location will mark their first venture into the west side of Los Angeles.
“We’ve always loved the energy and food culture of the Sawtelle area, and we felt Paper Rice could bring something fresh and different to the neighborhood’s mix of eateries,” the team shared.
In the future, the Paper Rice team hopes to continue to expand. Through Paper Rice, they hope to introduce more elements of Vietnamese culture and cuisine.
“Vietnamese food has become more popular over the years, but it’s still often mainly associated with pho — and there’s so much more to it,” the team said. “We love being able to introduce this side of Vietnamese food through our customizable spring rolls, bowls, etc. Our menu is intentionally simple, and people really seem to connect with being able to customize their meal exactly how they like it, similar to the way we eat at home.”
